Whether you get great water out of your well depends, in part, on the sum of its parts. (NAPS)

(NAPSI)—If you ever get water from a well, you should know there's more to
it than just, well, a well. In fact, a water well is
really a water well system because it consists of numerous components—many of
which can affect water quality if not well maintained.

What's In A Well

These components are designed to protect water from contaminants that are
harmful to health or adversely affect the water's appearance, taste or odor.
They include:

• The Well Casing: This is the
tubular structure that is placed in the drilled well to maintain the opening.
Along with grout, the casing confines the groundwater to its zone underground
and can prevent contaminants from mixing with the water.

The most common materials for well casings are carbon steel, plastic (most
commonly PVC), and stainless steel. Different geologic formations dictate
which type of casing can be used. Residents in some areas have a choice
between steel and PVC, both of which have advantages.

PVC is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and relatively easy for
contractors to install. However, it is not as strong and not as resistant to
heat as steel. Steel, though, is susceptible to corrosion, can have scale
buildup, and can cost more than PVC.

If the casing is sufficiently corroded or breaks, or if the grouting
fails, contaminants could enter the well and compromise your water quality.
Your best protection is to get a periodic water well system inspection to
identify any such problems.

• The Well Cap: This goes on
top of the well casing. It should fit snugly so debris, insects or small
animals can't find their way into the well system. The well cap should be
bolted or locked so it cannot be easily removed.

Well caps are usually aluminum or thermoplastic and have a vented screen
so the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the well casing
will be equalized when water is pumped from the well.

A cracked or loose well cap could allow outside contaminants, including
bacteria via insects or vermin, into the well. Well owners should visually
inspect their well cap from time to time and contact a water well system
professional if a problem is detected.

• The Pitless
Adapter: This connector is used in places where freezing occurs. It's
installed underground below the frost line to provide a sanitary seal between
the well casing and the water line running to the house. If this seal is
compromised, it could allow bacteria or other contamination into the well. A
water well system contractor can determine whether a faulty pitless adapter is contributing to such water quality
problems.

• The Well Screen: This
prevents excess sediment from entering the well. The screen attaches to the
bottom of the casing, letting water move through the well while keeping out
most gravel and sand.

There are assorted styles of screens, and a water well system professional
can determine which type is best suited to your well. The wrong type of
screen or a deteriorated screen could allow sediment, sand and gravel into
your well and your water.

The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) advises household well owners
to maintain their well systems, including these important components, to
protect drinking water quality and health.

Learn More

For further information about well systems, water quality, and groundwater
protection, visit www.WellOwner.org.